Students excelling in sports and other areas have special opportunities for admission and support

Cheung Ka-long’s spectacular triumph in winning the Gold medal for Men’s Individual Foil at the Paris Olympics is the latest testament to his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication. He, alongside Karen Tam Hoi-lam and Felix Diu Chun-hei, two PolyU elite athletes who made their way to the Games, has demonstrated the Olympic values of striving for excellence to become the best one can be.

The achievements of these distinguished sportspersons not only serve as an inspiration to the University’s students, staff, and alumni, but also resonate with PolyU’s commitment to promoting a sports culture on campus.

Ka-long has etched his name in history by achieving victory in the same event at two consecutive Games. Acknowledging his exceptional achievements and influence that transcends the realm of sports, PolyU conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Humanities in 2022. This prestigious accolade not only celebrates Ka-long as a sporting icon but also highlights his profound impact both on and off the sports arena.

PolyU athletes in Paris Olympics

Ka-long is not the only PolyU member who competed in the Paris Olympics. Karen, a Master’s student in Rehabilitation Sciences, participated in the Women’s 4×100m Freestyle Relay and Women’s 4×100m Medley Relay. In the last Asian Games in 2023, she clinched two bronze medals in the same events. Karen also represented Hong Kong to compete in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Dedication and hard work are the keys to achieving your goals. Believe in yourselves and become the best version of you.

- Karen Tam

Felix, an alumnus of the School of Accounting and Finance, was Hong Kong’s sole track and field athlete at this year’s Olympics. He became only the third Hong Kong sprinter ever to compete in the 100m race at the Games. In his Olympic debut, Felix demonstrated remarkable composure and focus under pressure, showcasing the qualities fostered during his time at PolyU.

Persevere and believe in yourself.

- Felix Diu

Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme

Hong Kong student-athletes would have noted PolyU has a long-standing tradition of nurturing the development of local sports talent. To provide opportunities for outstanding student-athletes to study at PolyU while continuing their pursuit of excellence in sports, PolyU launched the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Scheme (OSRS) in 1998.

To take its commitment a step further, PolyU has been participating in the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA) initiated by the University Grants Committee as a sub-scheme of OSRS since the 2022/23 academic year.

Students admitted through SALSA will receive a scholarship with the maximum amount of HK$400,000 during their studies and other support from PolyU, including individual academic consultation, flexibility in learning and study arrangements, and extension of study periods.

In the current year, 13 outstanding student-athletes have enrolled to PolyU’s undergraduate programmes through SALSA, including:

Poon Pui-hin

• Hong Kong Premier League player Poon Pui-hin - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in English and Applied Linguistics

Leung Ka-huen

• Squash athlete Leung Ka-huen - Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiotherapy

Tai Lok-ming

• Wushu player Tai Lok-ming - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in Applied Social Sciences (Social Work / Social Policy and Social Entrepreneurship)

Supporting students with special talents

PolyU offers scholarships to student-athletes to recognise their sports achievements. To support their talent and holistic development, the University also provides them with residential college accommodation imbued with a vibrant living and learning experience.

One of these arrangements is the STARS Residential College established under the Special Talents Admission and Recognition Scheme (STARS). Through STARS, PolyU offers favourable admission consideration to outstanding students with special talents not only in sports, but also in arts and culture, leadership and community services, and STEM.

STARS students residing in the residential college gain the University’s support to participate in various competitions, and can join training sessions, coaching, mentoring, and action learning projects, helping them to become future leaders and lifelong learners.

In delivering the best holistic education for the benefit of society, PolyU will continue to render its full support to students with diverse special talents to help them grow and shine.